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10 Interesting Facts About Delphi

 


Delphi is considered the center of the world. The name "Delphi" was invented from the "dolphin" because it is greatly believed that Apollo first visited the region in the shape of a dolphin. Delphi is located in Phocis, a region in Greece. It is well known as the seat of the high priestess of Apollo called Pythia. Delphi was originally called Pytho in ancient times. It is located near the Gulf of Corinth. It was the city where advice and predictions were given to humans in ancient times. Here are some things on Delphi that you should know;

 

Center of the World

By Zde - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi is believed to be a navel or center of the earth. Greek god, Zeus released two birds; Eagle into the air. One went east and the other to the west, the two birds met in Delphi after they traveled the world. The point where they met is called Omphalos in Delphi.

 

Apollo Influence

By Helen Simonsson - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Apollo was worshiped in Delphi because he killed a serpent which was also called 'Drako' and became a protector of the region. The site where Apollo killed Python is called Krisa.

 

Oracle of Delphi

By Doc James - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi was also popularly called Python because it was in the region that the goddess, Python met her destiny in the hands of Apollo. A priestess of Apollo also known as Pythia answered the questions of the inhabitants on how they wanted to be guided in their future efforts. The sessions with a priestess generally last about a whole day.

 

Delphi Games

By Ronny Siegel - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi like other religious areas in Greece holds a game to respect the Greek gods. The Pythian game starts in 591 BC and is held every eight years. The main event that took place at Pythian Games was a music competition. During the competition, Solo musicians sang the song of praise for Apollo.

 

Notable Sites

By Bernard Gagnon - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi has several beautiful archaeological sites that include the Doric Temple, a temple that was built in honor of Apollo and the Alcmaeonids temple. Other monuments in Delphi include; Four gold horse chariot; Prizes from Rhodes and bronze images that are very giant from the Trojan horse.

 

Treasury of Athens

By Joyofmuseums - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Athens' treasury was built in Delphi to accommodate supply and dedication made for Apollo by the Athens.

 

Delphi Tholos

By Joyofmuseums - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi Tholos is one of Delphi's medieval structures. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. It has a circular design and stands around 13.5 m tall in the middle of the Athena Pronaia temple. Metopes were built in these buildings to describe various events.

 

Patron

By Bernard Gagnon - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi was originally guided by Gaia who is known as a 'grandmother of the earth'. The city was guarded by a dragon, Python in Gaia's instructions. This is the monster that Apollo killed.

 

Delphi Theatre

By KtrnDrta - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Delphi Theatre was built on the same hill as Apollo Temple. This theatre was built with limestone in the 4th century. It has more than 35 rows that can accommodate an audience of around 5000. Many events are still being held here today.

 

Phoebe

By HerrAdams - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Phoebe is the third goddess who is a Delphi priest. She also happened to be Apollo's grandmother.

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